Meaning: 'Loathed' means to feel intense dislike or disgust for something, indicating that Roosevelt did not appreciate being called 'Teddy.'

Wrong options:

• loved: 'Loved' implies a positive feeling, which contradicts the context of the sentence where Roosevelt disliked the nickname.
• labelled: 'Labelled' suggests assigning a name, but does not convey any emotional response, making it contextually inappropriate here.
• lamented: 'Lamented' means to express sorrow or regret, which does not accurately reflect Roosevelt's feelings about the nickname.

Correct answer: competing

Explanation: The word 'competing' is appropriate as it indicates that other hunters were in a contest to catch bears, fitting the context of a hunting trip. It is in the present participle form, which aligns with the ongoing nature of the event described.

Meaning: 'Competing' means to strive against others to achieve something, in this case, to hunt bears.

Wrong options:

• committing: 'Committing' implies making a commitment or doing something wrong, which does not fit the context of a hunting competition.
• complaining: 'Complaining' suggests expressing dissatisfaction, which is irrelevant to the context of the hunting trip.
• commemorating: 'Commemorating' means to honor the memory of something, which does not relate to the action of hunting.

Correct answer: exhausting

Explanation: The word 'exhausting' fits well as it describes the tiring nature of the chase, matching the context of a long and difficult pursuit. It is an adjective that describes the noun 'chase,' indicating the physical toll it took.

Meaning: 'Exhausting' means extremely tiring, reflecting the effort involved in the bear hunt.

Wrong options:

• exhaustive: 'Exhaustive' means thorough and complete, which does not describe the physical effort of the chase.
• exhilarating: 'Exhilarating' suggests something thrilling and exciting, which contradicts the tiring nature of the chase.
• expatiated: 'Expatiated' means to speak or write at length, which is unrelated to the physical activity of hunting.

Correct answer: symbolic

Explanation: The word 'symbolic' is suitable as it indicates that the cartoon represented deeper meanings beyond just the bear and Roosevelt, fitting the context of political commentary. It is an adjective that describes the nature of the overtones.

Meaning: 'Symbolic' means representing something else, particularly an idea or concept, in this case, Roosevelt's political stance.

Wrong options:

• symmetrical: 'Symmetrical' refers to balanced proportions, which does not apply to the meaning of the cartoon's overtones.
• instructional: 'Instructional' implies teaching or guiding, which is not relevant to the context of the cartoon's message.
• emotional: 'Emotional' relates to feelings, but does not capture the broader significance of the cartoon as a political symbol.

Correct answer: permission

Explanation: The word 'permission' is correct as it indicates that Michtom sought and received approval from Roosevelt to use his name, fitting the context of the sentence. It is a noun that aligns with the action of seeking consent.

Meaning: 'Permission' means the approval to do something, in this case, to use Roosevelt's name for the teddy bear.

Wrong options:

• promotion: 'Promotion' refers to the act of raising awareness or support for something, which does not fit the context of seeking approval.
• orders: 'Orders' implies commands or directives, which does not align with the voluntary nature of seeking permission.
• instructions: 'Instructions' refer to detailed directions, which are not relevant to the context of obtaining consent.